If you’re drawn to the 2023 Mercedes EQS for its quiet, spaceship‑like luxury, you’re not alone. But before you commit, especially if you’re considering a used EQS, the big question is: how reliable is the 2023 EQS really? The honest answer is: mechanically solid, software‑heavy, and more recall‑prone than you might expect for a six‑figure Mercedes.
Key takeaway on 2023 EQS reliability
Overview: How reliable is the 2023 Mercedes EQS?
On paper, the 2023 EQS should be a reliability slam‑dunk: no complex transmission, no turbochargers, fewer moving parts than an S‑Class. In practice, the weak spots are software, electronics, and a handful of early‑build hardware issues, not the core electric drivetrain.
2023 Mercedes EQS reliability snapshot
So while the EQS isn’t the kind of car you buy expecting Toyota‑like simplicity, early data suggests most headaches are fixable under warranty. The bigger question is how much downtime and hassle you’re willing to tolerate while software and hardware bugs are ironed out.
A note on data limitations
Ratings & owner sentiment on 2023 EQS reliability
Let’s start with what we do know from third‑party ratings and owner feedback.
- J.D. Power: The 2023 EQS earns a Quality & Reliability score around the mid‑70s out of 100, solidly average for a luxury EV, but the lowest among current Mercedes models.
- Consumer reports & surveys: As of early 2026 there isn’t enough survey volume to produce a detailed predicted‑reliability score specifically for the 2023 EQS, which tells you how niche this car still is.
- Owner reviews: Consumer‑facing sites show roughly 4.3/5 overall satisfaction for the 2023 EQS, with near‑perfect scores for comfort and interior quality and somewhat lower scores for value. Many owners report “zero issues,” while a minority report repeat visits for software and electronics.
“34k miles on 2023 450+ SUV. Zero issues… On the tail end of a lease with my 2023 450+ and it has been flawless except a high beam and 3rd‑row lever, both fixed quickly.”
Balanced against those happy owners are a smaller number of horror‑story posts: extended dealer stays for tech gremlins, squeaks and rattles that are hard to chase down, and slow parts availability. That mix is typical of early‑generation, software‑heavy luxury EVs: the median experience is “fine,” but the tails of the distribution are wide.
How to read EQS reliability reviews
Known recalls and service campaigns for the 2023 EQS
One of the simplest ways to understand 2023 Mercedes EQS reliability is to look at its U.S. recall history. The 2023 EQS sedan and SUV have accumulated several recalls, more than you’d see on a typical mass‑market EV, but not outside the norm for a brand‑new flagship platform.
Major recall themes for the 2023 EQS
Representative recalls affecting many 2022–2023 EQS sedans and SUVs (exact coverage varies by VIN).
| Area | Example issue | Risk if unaddressed | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| High‑voltage monitoring | Battery management software may not properly warn of a malfunction. | Reduced warning before a high‑voltage fault or thermal event. | Battery software update and/or BMS reprogramming. |
| Electric drivetrain control | Software error can cause sudden loss of drive power in certain situations. | Unexpected loss of propulsion, higher crash risk. | Electric drivetrain control unit software update. |
| Pedestrian warning sound (AVAS) | External sound for reversing may be incorrect or non‑compliant. | Non‑compliance with EV minimum sound rules. | Update AVAS software to correct external sound. |
| Safety & driver‑assist systems | Camera/sensor or control‑unit glitches in certain vehicles. | Reduced ADAS performance or warnings. | Module software updates, sensor recalibration. |
| Chassis & suspension (SUV more often) | Premature rear shock absorber replacement on some EQS SUVs, often in first 1–2 years. | Noise, ride comfort degradation, potential safety concern if ignored long‑term. | Replace affected shocks under warranty or service bulletin. |
Always run the specific VIN through the NHTSA database or a dealership before you buy.
Good news: fixes are usually software or bolt‑on parts
If you’re shopping used, you want to see these items already addressed in the service history. At Recharged, every EQS we list has its recall and campaign status run against the VIN, and anything outstanding is flagged in the Recharged Score Report so you’re not inheriting someone else’s unfinished business.
Common problems on 2023 EQS sedan vs. EQS SUV
Because the 2023 EQS exists as both a sleek sedan and a three‑row SUV, it’s worth separating the most common reliability pain points by body style. The underlying EVA platform and electric drivetrains are shared; it’s the geometry and packaging that change the failure patterns.
2023 EQS sedan: typical issues
- MBUX glitches & freezes: Occasional reboots or frozen screens that can temporarily disable climate control or cameras until the car is restarted.
- Random warning lights: One‑off fault codes for driver‑assist or parking systems that clear with software updates.
- Sunroof & wind noise: Some owners report squeaks or wind roar at highway speeds, often requiring sunroof rail adjustment or replacement.
- Door handles & soft‑close: Isolated cases of retractable handles misbehaving or soft‑close doors needing recalibration.
Most sedan issues are annoyances rather than drivability problems, and many get resolved via over‑the‑air or dealer software updates.
2023 EQS SUV: typical issues
- Rear shock absorber replacements: A surprisingly common line item in early service histories, usually done within the first 1–2 years for noise or ride complaints.
- Third‑row hardware: Reports of seat levers or mechanisms breaking or needing adjustment on early‑build SUVs.
- A/C performance in third row: Owners note weak cooling for rear‑most passengers, more a comfort flaw than a failure.
- Same software quirks as sedan: Infotainment, camera system, and connectivity issues show up here as well.
Because the SUV is heavier and more complex mechanically, it has slightly more potential wear points, especially in the suspension and interior hardware.
Red‑flag patterns to watch for
Battery health & EV‑specific reliability
The heart of your long‑term cost of ownership is the high‑voltage battery. So far, the 2023 EQS’s battery packs look relatively robust, and there have been no widespread reports of severe degradation unique to this model year.
- Battery warranty: Mercedes generally covers EQS high‑voltage batteries for up to 10 years or around 155,000 miles (exact mileage and degradation thresholds can vary by region).
- Battery recalls so far: The major action for 2022–2023 cars has focused on monitoring and software, ensuring the system flags faults correctly rather than replacing packs en masse.
- Real‑world degradation: Anecdotally, owners reporting 10,000–30,000 miles on 2023 EQS sedans and SUVs typically describe single‑digit percentage losses in range, normal for a large luxury EV.
- Charging hardware: There are scattered reports of on‑board charger faults or DC fast‑charging hiccups, but no systemic failures unique to the 2023 EQS. These are generally handled under warranty.
How Recharged evaluates EQS battery health
Cost of ownership if reliability isn’t perfect
The 2023 EQS is a six‑figure flagship when new. That means parts, labor, and downtime are priced accordingly. For the first 4 years or so, Mercedes’ new‑car warranty does a good job of shielding you from the worst‑case scenarios, provided your local dealer is competent and responsive.
When 2023 EQS reliability issues get expensive
Illustrative examples of what problems can cost once you’re out of warranty.
Electronics & modules
A failed infotainment control unit, ADAS sensor, or high‑level ECU can easily run into four‑figure replacement costs, plus programming time.
This is where extended coverage can actually pay for itself.
High‑voltage components
Individual battery modules, DC‑DC converters, and on‑board chargers are all pricey. Catastrophic failures are rare, but when they happen the bill can rival the car’s used value.
Good diagnostics and a clean battery history are critical on a used EQS.
Downtime & hassle
Owner complaints about the EQS often focus less on the failures themselves and more on long parts waits and backlogged service departments.
A loaner policy you can live with is part of the real cost of ownership.
Why buying used can make sense
How the 2023 EQS compares to other luxury EVs
In reliability terms, the 2023 EQS sits in the middle of the luxury‑EV pack. It’s neither a ticking time bomb nor a paragon of hands‑off ownership.
2023 EQS vs. other luxury EVs: reliability perspective
High‑level comparison based on public data and owner anecdotes.
| Model | Reliability pattern | Where EQS is better | Where rivals are better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes EQS (sedan/SUV) | Average overall; software recalls and suspension quirks, but solid drivetrains and batteries so far. | Ride comfort, interior quality, sound insulation. | Dealers can be slow on parts; more recalls than some peers. |
| Tesla Model S | Strong battery/drivetrain track record, but build quality and trim issues are common. | Dealer‑style service for some owners; quieter cabin; more traditional luxury feel. | Supercharger network reliability and update cadence; simpler OTA process. |
| BMW iX / i7 | Generally good early reliability; fewer headline‑grabbing issues so far. | Softer, more isolated ride; massive interior tech wall‑to‑wall. | BMW’s software stack is more mature; some owners report fewer random glitches. |
| Porsche Taycan | Great driving hardware, but early cars saw charger and 12V issues; improved over time. | More spacious and serene; easier ingress/egress; better ride comfort on bad roads. | Porsche’s dealer tech familiarity with EVs is now deeper in some markets. |
Individual cars will vary; this table is about tendencies, not guarantees.
If your top priority is minimizing tech drama, a simpler luxury EV or a later‑build EQS with documented software updates might be a better fit. If you value ride quality and cabin ambiance enough to live with the occasional dealer visit, a well‑chosen 2023 EQS can still make a compelling case.
Checklist: What to check on a used 2023 EQS
Given the mix of strong fundamentals and software‑centric quirks, a used 2023 EQS demands a more thorough pre‑purchase review than a conventional gasoline sedan. Here’s what to focus on.
Used 2023 EQS pre‑purchase checklist
1. Run the VIN for recalls & campaigns
Ask the seller for a <strong>full service printout</strong> and run the VIN through the NHTSA site. Confirm major software updates, battery‑monitoring campaigns, and drivetrain fixes are completed.
2. Review service history for patterns
One‑off repairs are normal. Be wary of <strong>repeat visits</strong> for the same module (infotainment, charging, ADAS) or notes about chronic warning lights, no‑start events, or loss of drive power.
3. Inspect suspension & ride quality
On EQS SUVs in particular, look for records of <strong>rear shock replacement</strong>. During a test drive, listen for clunks, creaks, or floaty behavior over bumps.
4. Stress‑test software and infotainment
Spend time with MBUX: pair a phone, run navigation, use driver‑assist features, and cycle cameras. Watch for freezes, lag, or missing features that might indicate outdated software.
5. Verify battery health & charging behavior
Check DC fast‑charge rates on a public charger if possible and compare to expected curves. Ask for <strong>formal battery health data</strong>, on Recharged, this is included in the Recharged Score.
6. Confirm remaining factory & CPO coverage
An EQS is least stressful when repairs are someone else’s problem. Confirm in‑service date, remaining new‑car warranty, and any extended or CPO protections that transfer to you.
Leverage third‑party inspections
Should you buy or lease a 2023 EQS today?
The right answer depends on your risk tolerance and how long you intend to keep the car. Because Mercedes is already reshuffling its U.S. EQ lineup and technology is evolving quickly, the 2023 EQS is a classic case where ownership strategy matters as much as the car itself.
When leasing a 2023 EQS makes sense
- You want to avoid post‑warranty risk on complex electronics and high‑end hardware.
- You care more about having the latest tech than keeping the car long‑term.
- You like the idea of returning the car if software quirks or dealer experience disappoint.
Many early EQS adopters chose leases for exactly these reasons.
When buying used can be smarter
- You’re shopping a heavily depreciated 2023 EQS with strong remaining warranty.
- You have clear, clean service history and proven software stability.
- You’re working with a seller who can document battery health and recall completion, something Recharged bakes into every listing via the Recharged Score.
In this scenario, you’re letting the first owner pay for both the tech learning curve and the steepest depreciation.
How Recharged can help with a 2023 EQS
- A Recharged Score Report with verified battery health and fair‑market pricing.
- EV‑specialist support that understands EQS‑specific quirks and recalls.
- Financing options, trade‑in support, and nationwide delivery without stepping into a traditional showroom.
FAQs: 2023 Mercedes EQS reliability
Frequently asked questions about 2023 EQS reliability
The 2023 Mercedes EQS is a first‑generation flagship EV: breathtakingly comfortable, technologically ambitious, and more complex than anything Mercedes has built before. That combination inevitably brings more software and electronics drama than a simple gasoline car, but it hasn’t revealed a fundamental flaw in the platform. If you pair a carefully vetted example with solid warranty coverage, and lean on tools like the Recharged Score Report to de‑risk battery health and history, the EQS can deliver exactly what it promises: S‑Class serenity with electric‑car smoothness, without turning reliability into a full‑time job.
